1 attacker killed, 4 people wounded in shootout near Israeli consulate in Istanbul -- official
By Xinhua Published: Apr 07, 2026 05:51 PM
One attacker was killed and four others, including two police officers and two attackers, were wounded Tuesday during a shootout near the Israeli consulate in Istanbul's Besiktas district, a local official said.
Istanbul Governor Davut Gul told reporters on the scene that the attackers targeted police officers who were taking security measures in the area. He said the police officers were slightly wounded during the shootout.
Meanwhile, Turkish Interior Mustafa Ciftci said on social media platform X that the attackers came to Istanbul from Izmit in a rented vehicle. "One of the individuals was found to have links to an organization that exploits religion; and one of the two terrorists, who are brothers, has a drug-related record," Ciftci said.
Earlier, local broadcaster NTV said the attackers, reportedly wearing camouflage and carrying backpacks, attacked police officers stationed nearby, triggering an exchange of gunfire that ended with security forces "neutralizing" two suspects and critically wounding a third.
Footage aired by NTV showed a large-scale emergency response, with police units and ambulances sealing off the scene in the Levent neighborhood, one of the city's busiest business hubs.